It uses an infrared thermal camera to check your electrical distribution board (DB) for unusual temperature patterns. Some electrical problems can generate abnormal heat before there are obvious visible signs, allowing us to identify areas that may require further investigation.

Thermography can highlight overheating connections, unusually hot breakers, uneven heating between circuits, overloaded conditions and other abnormal thermal behaviour. However, a thermal anomaly does not automatically identify the exact cause.

Generally, no. In fact, the electrical system should be operating under normal, representative load during the inspection. Simply use your home normally and ensure the DB is accessible and not blocked by furniture or stored items. The thermal inspection itself normally does not interrupt your power supply. This aligns with IIRT’s existing approach of examining electrical equipment under operating conditions.

Depending on accessibility and DB configuration, we examine accessible components such as the main switch, MCBs, RCCBs/RCBOs, cable connections, terminations, neutral connections and internal wiring for unusual thermal patterns.

Thermography itself is non-contact. Where access to internal components is required, this will only be done where it is appropriate and safe to do so. The inspection scope depends on the design and accessibility of your DB.

No. Infrared cameras measure infrared radiation from surfaces. They cannot see through DB covers, walls, breakers or other solid objects.

Not necessarily.

Temperature must be interpreted together with electrical load, component type, surrounding components and the overall thermal pattern. 

However when temperature reaches above a threshold, that’s when we need to further investigate.

No. Thermography is used to identify and document abnormal thermal conditions. It does not certify that the entire electrical installation is safe or compliant. Where an electrical issue is suspected, further diagnosis or rectification should be carried out by an appropriately qualified electrical professional.

If an abnormal thermal pattern is found, we’ll document it, explain what we observed and recommend whether further investigation is required. If nothing significant is detected, the report records the conditions observed at the time of inspection. A normal thermal scan does not guarantee that no electrical defect exists, as some faults may not produce a detectable thermal signature.

You’ll receive a digital report documenting the inspection, including relevant visible and thermal images, findings, temperature information where appropriate, and recommended next steps for significant anomalies.

It can be particularly useful for older homes, resale properties, after renovations or significant electrical work, after adding high-load appliances, or where there have been previous electrical concerns. It can also form part of a preventive home electrical check.

Yes, subject to safe access to the electrical DB. Homes with multiple DBs or larger electrical installations may require an expanded inspection scope.

Do not wait for a thermal inspection. These may indicate an immediate electrical safety issue. Avoid touching the affected equipment and contact an appropriately qualified electrical professional.

What is included in the FREE toilet moisture check?
As part of your Home DB Thermal Check, we’ll perform a basic infrared screening of accessible toilet walls, floors and ceilings for unusual thermal patterns that may be associated with moisture — at no additional charge.

Can infrared actually detect water leaks behind walls or tiles?
Not directly. A thermal camera cannot see through walls or detect water itself. Instead, moisture can sometimes cause surface temperature differences that appear as unusual thermal patterns. These patterns can help identify areas that may warrant further investigation.

Does an unusual thermal pattern mean I definitely have a water leak?
No. Similar patterns can be caused by moisture, plumbing temperatures, thermal bridging, air movement or other environmental conditions. Where necessary, findings should be confirmed using moisture measurement or other investigative methods.

Is this a full water-leak or waterproofing inspection?
No. The complimentary check is a thermal moisture screening intended to identify suspicious areas. It does not certify waterproofing integrity or necessarily determine the exact source of a leak.

What happens if you find something suspicious?
We’ll show you the thermal pattern, explain what we observed and advise whether further investigation is recommended.